A car accident can be a regular occurrence that can potentially hurt those involved pretty badly. Whiplash injuries are common in car crashes and can cause severe pain, depending on the impact force. People who have experienced a whiplash injury may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party via a personal injury claim.
Pittsburgh whiplash injury attorneys are ready to help you get the most from your claim. Whiplash injury lawyers are professional, experienced, and have the skills needed to get fair compensation for victims suffering from whiplash. Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. is one of the best law firms for whiplash injury claims in Pittsburgh. We have a dedicated group of personal injury lawyers ready to help you.
Whiplash Injuries and Their Common Causes
Whiplash occurs when your neck is very suddenly rocked back and forth, and typically occurs in car accidents. This usually leads to neck pain, which varies depending on the severity of the injury but can be extreme. Medical treatment is possible, but mostly comes down to pain management.
While being rear-ended in a car accident is the most common cause of whiplash, there are others. A sports accident, physical abuse, or even a fall can result in this serious injury. A skilled whiplash injury lawyer will be very familiar with these causes and will know how to deal with each situation.
Those who have suffered whiplash will likely incur medical bills over time, as they receive treatment. This makes it an ideal personal injury case. With legal representation, victims can seek the maximum compensation from those responsible for their injury.
The Whiplash Injury Claim Process
When you have a whiplash injury, you should seek a personal injury lawyer immediately. Even if you are partially at fault, you can still seek compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company with the help of a Pittsburgh injury lawyer. A good law firm will help you through the rest of the process if they believe you have a strong personal injury lawsuit.
Your personal injury attorney will consult with you to determine who is at fault and file your claim. The at-fault party will be notified, and your Pittsburgh injury lawyer will start gathering evidence. You should note that this must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the accident.
Personal injury claims can take some time, but your whiplash injury lawyer will work hard to get all the compensation you need. In some cases, the other party will agree to your terms and pay the settlement amount, but in most cases, it is necessary to negotiate. If negotiations are unsuccessful, your whiplash injury lawyer will likely take the case to court.
We Offer a Century of Experience With Whiplash Claims
Our Pittsburgh injury lawyers have extensive experience with whiplash injury claims, having helped numerous accident victims win their cases. Whether your injury was the result of a car accident, abuse, or even medical malpractice, we can handle your case. Along with personal injury expertise, we understand cervical acceleration-deceleration (whiplash) and can help you understand the treatment and physical therapy involved, as well as the impact on mental health.
Why Legal Representation is Important
Nobody understands your legal rights better than an injury attorney. When an accident occurs, especially in severe cases, you are going to have medical expenses and other expenses. The symptoms related to your injury will also be a problem in your life.
With good legal support, you can seek compensation from those at fault. You cannot always rely on insurance companies for relief, even your own. A personal injury attorney will be able to build your case and fight for the compensation you deserve, no matter how dire the situation may seem.
Proving Liability and Recovering Damages
One of the most vital functions of a Pittsburgh personal injury attorney is discerning who is liable for the injury. In complicated situations like a car crash, this can be tricky. Your legal team will need insurance providers or a judge that another party is responsible for the accident and the pain and suffering you endured as a result.
A Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer will have plenty of experience with whiplash cases and be able to represent clients in whiplash cases. During the recovery process, they will gather as much evidence as possible, from police reports to medical records. They can build this evidence into a case against the at-fault party to recover compensation for the damages.
Whiplash lawyers can inform you about the type of damages you can be compensated for. The trauma of the accident and the extent of the healing process are also factored into your settlement. For detailed information on automobile accidents and their legal implications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Whiplash Injury Cases
With whiplash cases, as in any personal injury case, it is essential to consult with your legal team and do as they advise. A careless action can impact your claim, so you need to be very careful to avoid mistakes. Your attorney has your best interests in mind, so do what you can to work with them.
You will need to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as delaying treatment allows the liable party to claim your injury is not as serious as you claim. You should speak to a personal injury lawyer quickly as it is possible to file your claim too late. If you have been in a car accident, make sure to call the police so they can file a police report.
While the claim is ongoing, be sure to speak of it only with your legal team if possible. Avoid posting about it on social media or taking any actions that could give the impression that your injury is not serious or fraudulent. Remember, the opposing parties can gather evidence and use it against you.
Relevant Pittsburgh Laws Regarding Whiplash Injuries
The most relevant Pennsylvania law about whiplash cases is the statute of limitations, which prohibits legal action from being taken after two years from the incident. The state allows you to seek compensation if you are less than 51% responsible for the whiplash accident, meaning that even if you are partially at fault, you can still file a claim. Your personal injury attorneys can help you understand what you can expect, and how to proceed.
Pittsburgh Whiplash Injury Law FAQ
Your whiplash injury lawyer will be happy to answer any questions you may have, but here are a few frequent inquiries with answers included. Do not hesitate to reach out for a free consultation if you have any other concerns.
Is a Whiplash Injury Worth Suing Over?
If you have been injured in any way due to the carelessness of others, you are entitled to seek compensation. Whiplash may seem like a minor inconvenience at first but it can quickly worsen, becoming a source of intense pain for a very long time. With a good attorney, you can get compensated for your damages.
With medical bills and lost wages due to being unable to work, your injury could be costly. You should at least consider legal action and a free consultation since you can get a significant settlement amount.
What is the Average Whiplash Injury Payout?
All cases are different and your settlement may not necessarily match anyone else’s. However, the median whiplash settlement payout is around $7,500. This will change depending on the details of the case and the severity of the injury.
With a skilled personal injury attorney attending to your legal needs, your likelihood of a larger settlement increases. These cases can take anywhere from a few weeks to years, so communication with your legal team is vital. Be sure you entrust your whiplash claim to a law firm you can trust.
How Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. Can Help Whiplash Victims
Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. have decades of experience with personal injury cases and have proven themselves to be some of the finest whiplash injury lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA. Our injury lawyers have fought many legal battles, winning millions for our clients. Whether you were injured in a truck accident or slipped and fell due to a dangerous condition on someone’s property, our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers can help you.
Next to a medical professional, an injury lawyer is your best friend after a whiplash injury. We have experience with every step of the process and are more than prepared to guide you through it. We will do all we can to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve, and we offer a free consultation to get started. Learn more about personal injury cases and how Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C. can assist you.